A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to care for an adult client on a medical-surgical unit who is scheduled for an elective procedure. The healthcare provider has already discussed the procedure with the client. Which actions are within the PN's scope of practice regarding the informed consent process? Select all that apply.
- Serving as a witness to confirm that the client voluntarily signed the consent document.Answer
- Notifying the healthcare provider if the client asks new questions regarding alternative treatments.Answer
- Ensuring the client has not received preoperative opioid analgesics prior to signing the document.Answer
- DClarifying the surgical risks and anticipated benefits if the client expresses confusion.
- EDetailing the anatomical steps of the surgical procedure to alleviate the client's preoperative anxiety.
- FAccepting a delegated task from the registered nurse to formally evaluate the client's legal competency to sign.
Answer
The correct actions include serving as a witness to the signature, notifying the provider if the client has questions about alternatives, and ensuring the client has not received mind-altering medications before signing.
The PN scope of practice regarding informed consent is strictly limited to advocacy and witnessing. The PN ensures the client is in a competent state (free from sedating medications), verifies the signature is voluntary, and pauses the process to contact the provider if the client expresses any lack of understanding about the procedure, risks, or alternatives.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse's role in informed consent is limited to witnessing the client's voluntary signature, ensuring the client is competent (e.g., unmedicated), and acting as an advocate by notifying the provider if the client lacks understanding.
Estimated Time:1m 30s